Speech and Language Therapists are assumed to have a knowledge of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). The reality is that, unless they have had a student clinical placement in this field, they will qualify with very little experience in this area.

This book is an approachable guide to AAC and covers the various types, including paper-based and voice-output communication aids. There is guidance on how to assess a person who might need AAC, and how to work collaboratively with those who support the person on a daily basis. The author discusses the importance of core vocabulary alongside a personalised vocabulary. There are pointers for referring to specialised services, signposting families to alternative sources of funding, and making a business case for buying AAC equipment.

Written by an expert in the field, this book provides tips and strategies for SLTs who are brand new to AAC, as well as experienced clinicians wanting to gain further confidence in working with this varied client group.

Alison Battye is the author of Who's afraid of AAC (Speechmark 2017). She is also a Specialist SLT in AAC and manager of regional specialised AAC service.

Assessing for AAC

1. Who Needs AAC?
2. How to Introduce the Idea of AAC
3. Everyone on Board
4. Get to Know the Person
5. Assess, Don't Guess!
6. The Foundations for AAC
7. A Consistent Yes or No
8. Assessing for Access Method

Supporting the AAC User

9. Input Before Output
10. Multi-modal Communication
11. Modelling AAC to a Child
12. Communication Partner Training

AAC Solutions

13. Makaton Signs
14. Objects of Reference
15. Introducing Symbols for Choice-making
16. Symbol Sets
17. Communication Boards
18. Communication Books
19. PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)
20. Visual Supports
21. Alphabet Charts
22. Partner-Assisted Auditory Scanning
23. Eye-Pointing Boards and E-Tran Frames
24. Single Message VOCAs
25. Multiple Message VOCAs
26. AAC Apps
27. Computer and Tablet VOCAs
28. Eye-Gaze Technology
29. Message Banking and Voice Banking
30. Communication Passports

Building Language Skills with AAC

31. Core and Fringe Vocabulary
32. Personalising the Vocabulary
33. Building Vocabulary Skills
34. Building Phrases and Sentences
35. Communication Functions
36. Conversation Club

Literacy, Learning and AAC

37. Symbols or Text?
38. Assessing Literacy
39. Teaching Literacy
40. Access to the Curriculum

Advocacy and AAC

41. Talking Mats
42. The Mental Capacity Act (including making decisions)
43. Safeguarding and AAC (including enabling the individual to report a concern)

AAC and Access to the World

44. Multi-Media and Environmental Controls
45. AAC Competencies
46. Setting Objectives

Funding for AAC

47. Specialist AAC Assessment
48. Other Funding Streams
49. A Business Case for Funding AAC Resources
50. Continuing Professional Development